For the fifth consecutive year, the Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA) is calling Argentinean artists and foreign artists living in the country to participate in the Banco Central National Painting Award. Intended to preserve, foster, and stimulate painting in the country, this competition is part of a larger framework of institutional activities adopted by the bank for the development of national culture, based on its social commitment to the community. This year, prizes will be distributed as follows: For artists 35 or older: First Acquisition Prize, $50,000; Second Acquisition Prize, $40,000; two honorary acquisition mentions, $20,000 each. For artists younger than 35: First Young Artist Acquisition Prize, $30,000; Second Young Artist Acquisition Prize, $20,000; three young artist honorary acquisition mentions, $10,000 each, and a Grand Homage Prize of $60,000. Participants must present their works between October 3rd and 7th, 2011. Complete rules and entry forms can be found at www.bcra.gov.ar and can also be picked up at the BCRA. Works selected to participate in the 5th Banco Central National Painting Award will be displayed in a museum or cultural center to be determined later. Prizes for each category will be handed out on the show¿s opening day. All selected and prize-winning entries will be part of a traveling exhibition visiting different cities in the country. And, as in previous years, prize winners will become part of the BCRA¿s permanent collection, held at the institution¿s headquarters, which has been declared a National Historic Landmark. For questions, email
institucionales@bcra.gov.ar or call 011 4348-3500, ex. 3184 or 3188.